New 82' 2000 question

[surfingfreeman]

Hi all
just got a new 82' and upon inspection discovered cylinders 1-3 had 150 psi but cylinder four only had 125 psi, hoping a valve adjust will do the trick, it passed smog ok, any ideas? I am taking it to my Fiat dr. Next week but am itching to know what is causing the eneven readings? Thanks
mike

[So Cal Mark]

no way to tell with mere speculation. Valve adjustment is a good start

[pooldoctorstl]

First, good choice on the year. What is 2? Pour a little motor oil in the cyl that read low and do the test again. If compresssion comes up it is a ring or scored cyl wall. If it doesn't, it is a valve or head gasket issue. The oil willl help seal the rings and affect the cylinder pressure.

[pooldoctorstl]

Hey Mike, per my last post, be careful with how nuch oil you use for the test because if you use too much you could hydro lock it and bend a rod. NOT GOOD. When I say a little oil, I mean not more than a couple of teaspoons.